A screen shot of the town website highlights means for someone to examine their utility bills online. Officials are weighing putting all billing online and moving away from paperless statements except for those who would wise to be penalized. Photo by Evan J. Pretzer Reporter/Examiner

In Stony Plain you may soon lose the option of receiving a paper utility bill.

During the town council meeting on Monday, officials were presented with a report, which, if one option is accepted, could see users in town go to full electronic billing by 2020. Right now about 29 per cent of the 6,200 utility users in the town receive bills via email and if more switch, the town could save on the $70,000 they do now on contracted paper statements.

If this is not carried out, the system would stay in status quo, but officials would campaign to raise awareness about electronic billing. Councillors were split on what would be more appropriate, but expressed concern for those in the community who are older and would not want digital billing who would be penalized an estimated $1.06 per bill for not going into the 2020 plan.

“There is a lot to think about here,” Coun. Judy Bennett said. “I know lots of people who have no computer and are not comfortable with online billing. I do not think it is right we should penalize people who do not have a computer or are not at all comfortable with doing electronic billing.”

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Coun. Justin Laurie argued the process was standard in companies and places around the world – everyone from Wal-Mart to Telus does paperless– and good for the environment. For him, there was another way, and one in which everyone could be accommodated.

“Is there the potential if someone is able to prove they do not have access for us to give them a lower bill?” he asked of the town administrative officials.

In response, they clarified the only things available were the two options in the informational report and it was up to council to decide what to do. Some like Coun. Linda Matties argued there should be incentives and not penalties.

“I am wondering if we could have the [all electronic billing option] incentivize behaviour,” she said. “That way we will not be penalizing many seniors. My mom even though she sends some emails would be scared to death to do this and I know of several other people who would too.”

To this, administration noted movement towards electronic billing would reduce costs by an estimated $20,000 and that the more people who signed up would be a benefit for the town. In response, Laurie argued campaigning should be done for both situations, but ultimately, council went another way.

The motion was changed to be revisited this year, the report was accepted unanimously for information and council will look at electronic billing this August.